The Truck Thread

[MasterBlaster]

I'll be the first to get this thread going again!

My '02 Chevy.

[brendonv]

99 F350, 93 Toyota Pickup

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/Brendonv/Vehicle%20and%20Tractor/Frame.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/Brendonv/Vehicle%20and%20Tractor/NewGear002.jpg

[squisher]

A couple of trucks :D . I know everyone loves the Ridgeline, it's my wife's truck and yes I know it's not a real truck:roll: . The best thing about the Ridgeline is it's AWD system, it's always on and it's unbeleivable on ice and snow, which keeps my wife and daughter safe and happy.:)

[Skwerl]

Wow, I gotta go dig now. Let's see what I can find... :/:
Not the best of my pickup, I was taking a pic of the toolbox I think.

[stehansen]

1994 Chevy 3500, 4WD, 350
1989 GMC 7000, 50' Aerial Lift, 8.2L Detroit diesel, 5 speed manual, 2 speed rearend

[sotc]

the big 3, chevy, ford and dodge

[squisher]

This isn't mine but I remember awhile back someone saying atleast some states are only allowed five axle logging trucks due to safety. Here's a seven and now eights are becoming increasingly common. Not the best pic but heh I was working.:D

[TheTreeWiseMen]

Mine....

[TheTreeWiseMen]

Gettin' muddy...

[top hopper]

:)

[Frans]

my ride :D





























-no not really but it is cool

[Skwerl]

I found a picture of my pickup. This was only a month after I bought it, I still had the blue Ranger in the carport.
2002 F150 Lariat

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/8e5e4f69.jpg

[stehansen]

Way too shiny.:D

[Paul B]

my ugly duck. 95 F250, ex forestries truck.

[squisher]

That would make a good plow truck.:D

[Paul B]

and a good sled hauler, the bed is rusting out the wheelwells! needs a new deck someday! :D whaddya give me? $$

[squisher]

Aww not what I'm looking for right now, so I won't bother insulting ya.:D

[Paul B]

haha, such a gentleman! dont forget to fill your truck tanks as you leave the station in a week eh? ;)

[rumination]

I don't own any vehicles anymore, but here's picture of my last beat up little truck.

[JIML]

How do you not own a vehicle? walk?

[MasterBlaster]

Company vehicle.

[Monkeypuzzle]

My Montana ride.

[MasterBlaster]

So what's your Fla ride?

[Monkeypuzzle]

Florida rigs.

[Monkeypuzzle]

Dam it......I forgot to flop it.

[rumination]

Owning a vehicle in Hong Kong is really expensive, what with all of the taxes and licenses involved. Not to mention you have to pay to park practically everywhere. Public transport here is the best I have ever seen so getting myself around is no problem. If have to drag a bunch of gear around then whoever I'm working for provides transportation. Plus they drive on the wrong side of the road.

[Monkeypuzzle]

Butch, you and I have the same brand toolbox. United Welding Services......Perry,Florida. Built a few miles from the house.

[MasterBlaster]

Crikey!

[OTGBOSTON]

My '03 Toy, TRD 4x4. Rack for my trusty 200t, and pvc tube pole section holder.

[Skwerl]

I guess I need to add my new truck to this thread. Right now all I have is the picture from the ad on the website. I'll get fresh pics after I get the signs put on the doors. The paint on the boom has faded a bit since the picture was taken, I'm considering repainting the yellow part blue to continue the blue theme from the last truck.

[MasterBlaster]

Great looking rig, Brian.

[Paul B]

yup, get it in blue, there is a lot of value in corporate branding and ID. Get out there and let it make you some money!! :D

[squisher]

Man oh man Brian you're lucky I'm a patient man, I want fresh pictures of that kick ass truck. And I want em NOW!:D

I sold this today, finally. It was a real nice truck, oh well time to go.

[MasterBlaster]

You've no use for a one ton anymore?

[squisher]

I have a 1ton dually with a dump and also my plow truck is a single rear wheel 1ton. I would like to sell the dually dump and buy a newer f-550 4x4 with a dump or put one on and set it up as a second plow truck. So that's what I'm up to.

[Paul B]

squashie, what about the camper?

[sotc]

and a removable top so it can be a chip box in the summer, no need to take the bucket to every job!

[squisher]

squashie, what about the camper?

My plow truck will haul the camper no problem, and the camper is for sale too. I could have rented a motorhome for everytime I've used that camper when I compare what I paid for it as to how many times I've used it.

[Paul B]

10-4
I have looked at renting a rig like what you are parting with from the big camper rental outfit that I cant remember the name of at the moment, they want like $2500 for a week. Kee-razy!

[GASoline71]

Hey Paully... we had the same type of truck! Sme color too! 'cept mine was a little taller and had the 7.3L powerstroke diesel.

6" lift kit and 35" BFG M/T's

The camper weighed over 3,000 pounds when fully loaded and was 19 feet long from bow to stern... it hung out the back of the truck almost 4 feet!

I really miss that rig. :( I put almost 200,000 miles on that sucker.

One pic is up on Washington Pass on HWY20 in the Cascades... the other is leaving the Buckley Log Show about 4 years ago. The other is just parked in the driveway when I was still with the ex.

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

I bet that was fun to drive on windy days!

[Paul B]

nice rig Gasman! I had a camper on mine that I borrowed for a conference out of town in 2005, way smaller than yours though. I am pretty sure I posted this pic somewhere nearby recently but since it seems to fit here it is again.

[Skwerl]

Another neat truck. This is a 1949 Willys Jeep that belongs to my 83 year old neighbor John. He bought it a couple years ago and patched it up a little. He has a blast riding around and driving it in parades, etc.

[GASoline71]

Sweet!

I love the old "suplus" look to that baby.

Cool Brian!:)

Gary

[MasterBlaster]

Heck yea! I can just see Hawkeye and Trapper cruising in it!

[Canuck]

I had a 49 when I was younger. For a summer, then I sold it to cover a ski season at snow bird. Alas, no pictures.

[MasterBlaster]

I guess I need to repost these two 100 grand pick ups. Wow! They belong to a treeguy here called "Mr. Green Jeans Tree Service." He traded the white one in for the black one, and since then he's traded that one in, too. I dunno what he's driving now, but I guarantee it's something big. It's funny, he's a little guy with a wife twice as big as him. Ha.

(Brendon, you still think my pants are short?)

[Skwerl]

The new bucket truck after window tint and a little scrub n polish. ;)
The door signs should be ready this week.

[Paul B]

Looking good Sqwirl! have you got all your kit organized in the tool boxes and such? I imagine that would take a bit of streamlining to make the best use of the layout.

Any bites on old blue yet?

[MasterBlaster]

Man, all that storage space is amazing! Nice truck, Brian! VERY nice truck! You'll be getting fatter in no time flat! :P

[Al Smith]

Another neat truck. This is a 1949 Willys Jeep that belongs to my 83 year old neighbor John. He bought it a couple years ago and patched it up a little. He has a blast riding around and driving it in parades, etc. Restoring old Jeeps was my fathers favorite past time.He did at least a dozen or more total frame off restorations ,maybe many more non frame offs. His last one is setting in the barn as I type ,done when he was over 70 years old.

He sold one to a man from Houston Texas who drove that danged thing all the way there,took him about 4 days.Wound tight those things are hard pressed to go much over 45 MPH. On the other hand the gearing is so low that if they could get traction they could climb a tree.:)

[squisher]

Damn Brian that's a sweet rig. Congrats man.

[stehansen]

Definitely a sweet rig Brian.

[Bodean]

Great looking Bucket Brian, Cheers.

You'll be styling.

[GASoline71]

Congrats Brian! :beerchug:

Gary

[DTW902]

Congrats on the newer bucket Brian....8)

[Skwerl]

Thanks for all the well wishes, guys. Fact is, if I wasn't investing in this truck then I wouldn't have much else to spend my money on. I love what I do but my life is rather narrow focused and when I'm not working then I'm thinking about working. Without the new truck I wouldn't have much incentive to go work.

[GASoline71]

Good-bye old friend...

I put the ol' 1979 GMC 3/4 ton I have had since 1993 out to pasture...

The Blue Mule.

The best truck I ever owned. Never left me stranded anywhere. I only got 'er stuck once when I rolled 'er over on the passenger side on a loggin' road.

She'll be missed, I just don't have the time or room for 'er anymore. Got offered a deal i couldn't refuse for it. A kid and his dad down the road have been pestering me for dang near a year to buy the truck...

Yesterday mornin' the showed up with cash money...I took it.

I have my little Muscle Truck in the garage. That should be done soon.

Anyways... here is the Mule last year up in the Cascade Mountains during deer season.

Gary

[sotc]

just think how happy that kid will be! id have loved a truck like that!

[brendonv]

Those trucks are some of the best made work truck IMO. Super simple to work on, chugged right along, and rugged. The kid will enjoy it, I know I loved mine. (77', 78', 79')

[stehansen]

I had a 78 chevy but it wasn't a HD one like yours Gary. I used to pull a trailer with a D-6 caterpillar on it. About 20,000 lbs total. I put about 350,000 miles on it then gave it to my cousin. I even wore out the rubber cab mounts, cracked the frame, fixed all sorts of stuff on it. I shoulda got one like yours. Gas mileage of about 12 mpg, it had the california smog stuff on it.

[GASoline71]

The Mule had 295,000 original miles on it before i rebuilt the small block (350) engine, put new synchros and stuff in the tranny, and freshened up the transfer case. She ran like a top.

Yeah... that kid was 17 years old... and was grinnin' from ear to ear. :)

Gary

[Skwerl]

Good for you, Gary. I remember certain individuals who were instrumental in introducing me to new phases of my life when I was about that age. People giving me tremendous deals on amazing stuff for no particular reason that I could fathom. Now I realize that they were simply passing it along. And the best part is when I get the opportunity to 'pass it along' to some bright eyed young kid.

Congrats Gary, I'm sure he will learn to love that truck as much as you have.
8)

[squisher]

Now more money for the ratrod:evil:

[GASoline71]

Exactly Justin! :thumbup:

Gary

[Paul B]

MB didja ever get that boombastic sound system hooked up in the truck? I have a very similiar truck now and am considering swapping out the CRAPPY ac delco getup. Thoughts?

[MasterBlaster]

I haven't done anything yet. I would suggest you have a pro install everything, and shoot for the smallest subwoofer possible.

[Paul B]

I would suggest you have a pro install everything

I hear you, my days of gutting an interior and shoving the stuff in myself are over. I did a number of installs in my late teens and early 20's, no thanks, the install price is pretty reasonable for me, would rather drop it off and pick it up all done and shiny ;)

[MasterBlaster]

This is the subwoofer (http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?series_id=1) I'm looking at now. Small and tight!

[Paul B]

wow, that looks kick ass! how many benjamins does it run Boss? any idea?

[cybergeek23851]

Thanks for the Idea on that one, Butch...

That could be one for the future plans, should I go ahead and buy my current ride. ;)

[MasterBlaster]

They're kinda expensive. (http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=1503)

[Paul B]

:headbang::whipitgood::glasses2: meh, its only paper...



I actually thought it would be a lot more, the regular price they list was what I was thinking, the sale price really aint that bad, that and free shipping!

and dont forget Ebay (http://search.ebay.ca/JL-Audio-8W7_W0QQdfspZ32QQfromZR40QQssPageNameZRC0022QQ_trk sidZp1638Q2em120)

[GASoline71]

Been awhile since someone posted a truck up in here... :)

Well... It's not the brand new Chevy or GMC 1/2 ton that I wanted... but it's a very nice and clean 1994 GMC 1500 extended cab.

5.7L (350) with TBI. I got a good deal on it... I was just too upside down on the loan on my car I was going to trade in... So I kept the car... rat holed some money... and paid cash for this pretty neat truck... :) Just bought it today after work...

Gary

[Paul B]

Nice! I took mine off road today. :D

[squisher]

Nice Gary, looks clean.

[JamesTX]

Nice! I took mine off road today. :D

That's not off-road. This is off-road -

Allradantrieb (http://www.eblogx.com/Videos--Allradantrieb-12978.html)

[Thor's Hammer]

That's not off-road. This is off-road -

Allradantrieb (http://www.eblogx.com/Videos--Allradantrieb-12978.html)

Haha, nice one James. Landrover - The Best 4x4xfar....

Heres one of mine at work -

[MasterBlaster]

Waycool. :rockon:

[Burnham]

I'm sad to see the old one go...it was a beast and a half, but it never let me down and I asked a lot of it at times. But the fleet replacement cycle rules can only be pushed back so much, I kept it longer than they wanted me to by a year and a half.

It was a 2001 Dodge 2500 4x4, extended cab, pushed by the 8 liter V-10 gasser. Oversized rail top tool boxes and a Warn 12M winch made for a pretty effective package.

The new truck has been dubbed "poxy little truck" by my friend Pete McTree, after he had to listen to me whine about it's imminent arrival during the WCGTG :D.

It's a 2009 Chevy 1500 4x4, extended cab, small block V-8. I've been truck down-sized in an attempt to improve fleet mpg figures :(.

Anyhoo, I swapped over the same tool boxes and winch, in a new Warn mount. It's a ok rig...but strikes me as low slung. Has enough umph to get itself around, but I won't expect to tow much more than a pair of snowmobiles or ATVs.

Here's pics of the new and the old.

[sotc]

I want your job:D

[Buzz]

Here's my latest old girl !

Can't make my mind up whether to re-build it or run it for a year and scrap it for parts. The bulkhead / firewall is shot to pieces in typical Land Rover fashion :lol:

[MasterBlaster]

And it didn't cost you (Burnham) a penny, sweet.

[Burnham]

It cost all of us who pay fed. taxes a tiny fraction of a penny or two :D.

And I thank you all :).

Willie, I'll let you know when I'm done with it, and you can apply :D.

[sotc]

Sweet!:rockhard:

[brendonv]

Burn, you don't even need a plow for that one....it'll push snow with it's bumper!

Amazing how low they make trucks now for safety.

Nothing like new car smell though! (never experienced it myself sadly)

[OTGBOSTON]

Poor Burnham HAD to get a new truck:roll:





:P

Those dodges sure are high off the ground.

I'm likin' the rover Buzz, very cool!

[stehansen]

Does it have the 5 liter engine Burnham?

[Skwerl]

Steve, I suspect it's the 5.3. My old man has that motor in his Chebby pickup and gets over 20 mpg highway.

[stehansen]

My Dad also. I was thinking the small v-8 was a 5.0.

[Burnham]

It has the 5.3 liter. Does anyone know what that translates into for c.i.d.?

When it was virgin, so far as loading it up with the boxes, tools, saws, winch, rigging hardware, signs and stands, and my personal gear, etc., it ran like a scalded dog. I expect that is somewhere in the neighborhood of 750 lbs. that it's hauling around every day. Now it certainly give satisfactory performance, but it's easy to tell it's carrying a load. Didn't matter what I put in, on, or behind that Dodge...same deep torque every day.

I was getting 11-12 mpg from the Dodge V-10...looking like 17-20 with the Chev.

[Jonseredbred]

About 327 cubic inch.

A liter is 61 CI (I think)

[Skwerl]

They don't publish the displacement in cubic inches any more, but I think it's around 330. My 5.4 Ford motor is about 340 I think.

[Dave Shepard]

5.3 l is 323.3 c.i.

I never did like half-tons.:( You did good with that V-10. We had one at my first job, it got about half that. When it ran, it was a good truck, but it had a lot of engine and trans problems. The twin to it was a Cummins, and it only had to have a clutch and a muffler in the same time span, and it wouldn't have had to have the clutch with better drivers.

[Dave Shepard]

Yes, 1l is 61 c.i. That engine is probably a dod engine as well. Displacement on demand. That's why they get such good mileage.

[Burnham]

Thanks for the info on displacement, guys. That's about what I expected.


Burn, you don't even need a plow for that one....it'll push snow with it's bumper!

Amazing how low they make trucks now for safety.

Nothing like new car smell though! (never experienced it myself sadly)

And I already took off the plastic air dam that drops the apparent clearance up front another 4 inches! That thing wouldn't have lasted long in the woods.

Safety, huh? I thought they made them low so the soccer moms and cadillac cowboys didn't have to climb up to get in. :D

[stehansen]

I like and use a heavier duty pickup. You'll get used to it in no time.

[lumberjack]

Dad's got a truck now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/10mmsheepdog/DSC05904.jpg

[MasterBlaster]

Excellent.

[stehansen]

'98?

[lumberjack]

Muy bueno!

[rumination]

Looks like a comfy ride. I'll be he's happy to be out and about on his own again.

[brendonv]

Must be nice in the south, rust-less.

Looks nice, good luck with it.

As long as you don't get ahold of it. :P

[Skwerl]

Yeah Carl, try not to roll this one. ;)

[lumberjack]

:lol:

He drove for his first time Monday (04 Z71) for a short trip (>10 Miles). Yesterday he drove this truck 20ish miles on backroads mainly, drove my mom's Tahoe on the 4 lane :o, and we bought the truck today.

[DTW902]

:lol:

He drove for his first time Monday (04 Z71) for a short trip (>10 Miles). Yesterday he drove this truck 20ish miles on backroads mainly, drove my mom's Tahoe on the 4 lane :o, and we bought the truck today.

Thats great news Carl. :)

[No_Bivy]

looking at a 07 dodge 3500, with a service body, 13k miles, cummins diesel, auto trans, tow package, some kinda exhauast reburner?, exhaust brake, 4x4,......24k


seem worth it, I will remove the service body and replace with a dump dody

[brendonv]

I think the exhaust re burner is part of the new emissions crap.

Go to that forum I posted and look to see the common problems.

thedieselgarage.com


http://www.thedieselgarage.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=127

[Dave Shepard]

All '07 and newer use a DPF (diesel particulate filter) It hurts fuel economy on all makes of trucks.

[stehansen]

In California the air resources board is pondering making all diesel engine powered equipment previous to '07 be fitted to an exhaust filter. Not just trucks but everything. Exempting government and military vehicles of course.

[Thor's Hammer]

exhaust particulate filters are fine. its EGR (exhaust gas recurculator) valves that are the problem.

[treebogan]

Here is my Chev 6.2 Diesel.It was bought to pull the tracked chipper around on a trailer.I like the simplicity of the Engine and the Torque.It was originally a Police Vehicle and the second owner had it painted and detailed.

Goes well.But looks abit unprofessional,might get it painted next Spring?

[stehansen]

2500?

[Skwerl]

Looks like it, Steve. 8 lugs on the axles, the 1500 had 6.

[stehansen]

Cool, thanks Brian.

[TREECYCLE]

Diesel Trucks Rock:)

[No_Bivy]

got any close ups of tha rig?

[rumination]

I have a friend who has mentioned they have another friend who is getting out of landscaping and wants to sell a truck. It's a 1995 F250 with the 5.8L V8 (gasoline I'm assuming), 4x4. They claim it's in good running condition and want $3500 for it. Is that a good deal? Is this model of truck even worth looking at or desirable?

I entrust myself to the Treehouse Truck Gurus.


Treecycle, that is a sweet looking truck.

[lumberjack]

Pretty sure any truck I buy from here on out will be a diesel.

[rumination]

That was my gut feeling too. I'm sure that gas engine gets like 8 mpg...

[Skwerl]

Sounds like an awful lot of money for a 14 year old pickup truck, Leon.

[lumberjack]

$3500 is alot for a 4x4 3/4T in "great running condition"? It seemed inline for me, seeing as I haven't seen it.

[rumination]

I haven't seen it yet either. Just thought I'd ask to see if it was even worth the time looking. I do strongly lean towards getting a diesel. There's also a top notch trustworthy Ford mechanic in my area so sticking with a Ford is my plan.

[TREECYCLE]

Heres a couple

[stehansen]

I have about that same pickup only a chevy with the 5.7L gas motor and it gets 15 mpg on the highway, and I would guess about 10 in city driving.

[rumination]

Hmmm...still thinking about it. It's got 109,000 miles on it. Previously a forest service truck and then owned by the landscaper, who it is claimed, took good care of it. I'll call my Ford mechanic on Monday and see what he thinks. He's pretty sharp about these things.

Oh, it also comes with towing accessories...

[brendonv]

That's a cool truck treecycle. Did you chop the frame? The wheelbase looks even too short to once have a factory short bed on it.

I'm interested in how you mounted your winch on that chipper, it's got me thinking...

[TREECYCLE]

You guessed it. I shortened the frame to make the turning radius tighter. That meant that the dual tanks got eliminated but in their place the Headache rack holds 40 gallons. Side boxes are just long enough for a 66o with a 36 . The truck started as Ford 97 crew cab longbed Crummy

The winch mount is real simple both for the truck and chipper. On the chipper its a warn 9500 and the fairlead fits just above the infeed. On the Truck its a reciever mount front and back going to dual batteries. I will say if on your chipper winch you are planning on doing some tugging, switch out your battery to a deep cycle. I did not and mine blew out instead.

[CurSedVoyce]

Really cool truck TC...

Does not sound like a bad price Leon since it is a 4X4

[Paul B]

I ditched my 95 F250 4x4 slightly more than a year ago after it started blowing up plugs in the #8 piston, it had about 195,000kms on it, buh bye and good riddance to the beast. :)
my '04 truck is WAY more comfy. and has better pickup, power and mileage to boot.

[squisher]

A 95 3/4 ton Ford has a crap front suspension in it imo, I would steer clear. Expensive front end repairs could be just around the corner.

[rumination]

Thanks for that tip Justin, I will steer clear.

[squisher]

The 1 tons are bomber. The 3/4 tons not so much and expensive to repair.

[sotc]

Nice website treecycle

[TREECYCLE]

Thanks Sotc. I put that up a while ago and being my first try I would definitely take out some of the fluff and add a more defined direction/ identity next time.

Less fluff + More function= Always better

[sotc]

Depends on your target market I suppose

[rumination]

The 1 tons are bomber. The 3/4 tons not so much and expensive to repair.


I know I'm going to get laughed at for asking this...

1 ton truck= F350?

[Dave Shepard]

Yes. The earlier F250s had an "agricultural" front axle, as a friend of mine used to say. Solid axle is much better.

[rumination]

When did the F250s go to a solid axle?

Sorry to pester with the questions, but used F250s are a lot more common than F350s around here.

[Jonseredbred]

The F250 has Fords I beam front suspension, kind of an independant wheel suspension but not really.

The F350 has the Dana 60 straight front end.

[lumberjack]

Twin Traction Beam?

[brendonv]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/images/d44ttb1.jpg

http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/15938735/0905dp_02_z+1997_ford_f250+dana_60_front_axle.jpg

[squisher]

I'm not sure what exact year they stopped using the twin tractor beam on their 3/4 tons(can't remember off the top of my head). But look closely at Brendons pic and note the differences. The top pic is bad news imo, the bottom pic is what you want. A solid axle straight across.

[stehansen]

I thought they called them "twin I beam".

[Strikermike]

I thought they called them "twin I beam".

That would be correct for the RWD version.

[stehansen]

Ah.

[squisher]

Twin tractor beam was a joke.:P

I thought 'twin I beam' was what they were called no matter rwd or 4wd.

[stehansen]

I thought tractor beam was something on Star Wars.

[MasterBlaster]

No, Star Trek!

[stehansen]

Always get those mixed up.

[squisher]

Both I think.

[Skwerl]

Don't you mean a 'traction beam'?

[cybergeek23851]

Don't you mean a 'traction beam'?

The skwerly one's right.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Spring2003/TTBTuning.htm

[squisher]

So 'traction beam' is the 4 wheel version? Cool learn something new everyday. I've only known to just pretty much steer clear of it.

[squisher]

And there you have it on Jay's link. Traction beam through to 97' on the f250's (3/4 ton).

[Skwerl]

Carl called it first, post #141 in this thread.

[MasterBlaster]

http://c2.api.ning.com/files/qjnvvhPvsUlxSTxS5Z80atD45Fv2wLVhRlE3B88X4AUE1rB2np l40M4nXdb8MWRXnBMjlEamava0hEvLHZfF1vceMFhZHoEy/spock1.jpg

[MasterBlaster]

Orrrr...

http://www.areyougoingtoeatthat.com/images/Spock.jpg

[squisher]

MB that's just out of line.:lol:

[sotc]

So 'traction beam' is the 4 wheel version? Cool learn something new everyday. I've only known to just pretty much steer clear of it.

Har, missed pun alert!

[MasterBlaster]

MB that's just out of line.:lol:

He's got my abs. :drink:

[brendonv]

Pretty sure '99 they stopped using that in the 3/4 tons.

[Skwerl]

Today I did a job at the local Rinker (now it's called Cemex) cement plant where my neighbor is general manager. They have been closing plants and consolidating inventories all over the state and Troy has way too many trucks right now. I don't have pictures yet but if anybody is seriously interested then let me know and I'll do everything I can to hook you up.

The trucks that interested me the most were the three 2004 dump trucks with 60K GVW. They have been parked for three years and can be had for about $15K. There's also a couple huge Peterbilt flatbeds with 24' beds and all wheel drive, the 1996 could be bought for $7K-8K. I was also looking at an older International 4700 low profile but Troy said it was a death trap.

I was working and didn't have my camera so I really don't know much more than that right now but I can either track down Troy at home or run over to the plant during the week and grab some pictures.

[stehansen]

There is a guy with a 1995 chevy one ton for sale for $4000 down the street from me. I really have the urge to get it and build a chipbox and put a dump on it.

[CurSedVoyce]

It might be a good idea for where you are thinking of moving to. A 1 ton can squeeze into a lot of places. 4WD would be a consideration.

[tntree]

Derail, Sort of read this thread . . . alot of chatter about old Ford PUs.
I have a pretty nice set of Wide Magnesium Rims (8bolt) with ~~ 40% tread left floats on em.
Sittin in my Tire pile for maybe a decade now . . . anybody wants them there Free just pay shipping

Back to regular programming

[Skwerl]

Dave, are the rims lug centric or hub centric? The older style had alternating mushrooms around the lug holes to line the wheel up, the newer ones fit tight on the hub to line up.

[tntree]

Not sure Brian, I am not the brightest motor head. I can take some pics mon or Tues if you/anybody interested.
Gave up trying to pimp them, to nice to toss out, cun't even remember the year truck they were on

[CurSedVoyce]

I only wish.. I would just fug em up up here in the woods..

[lumberjack]

There is a guy with a 1995 chevy one ton for sale for $4000 down the street from me. I really have the urge to get it and build a chipbox and put a dump on it.

I'd start with a better chassis, if it were me.

[CurSedVoyce]

But it matches his fleet :lol:

[stehansen]

What do you mean by better. Bigger?

[Skwerl]

Not just bigger.
Harder Better Faster Stronger

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[lumberjack]

What do you mean by better. Bigger?

Basically. I have a 1 ton Chevy, a 99. While it was a fine truck, it doesn't hold a candle to the F550. I paid $7500 for my F550 last December. Payload wise I could put my fully loaded 3500 (11klbs) on the bed and still be legal.

While trucks older trucks had more metal here and there, trucks of the last decade have them handly beat in nearly every way that matters.

[stehansen]

I was trying to stay away from a diesel motor because of the regs here in Cali. I hear you on the heavy dutyness of a truck two sizes bigger. I'll check into a larger truck. I am just dreaming at this stage.

[stehansen]

But it matches his fleet :lol:

Actually that was a concern as it has the same motor as my pickup and I would be able to do some of the work on it.

[CurSedVoyce]

:D

[Skwerl]

Finally got my skwerl decals today. My $10 paint job and some stickers cover up the fiberglass patches quite well. I'll swap it on to the truck later this week when I have a couple hours.

[MasterBlaster]

Cool.

[rskybiz]

Good as new cool!

[Newfie]

Shiny!


Looks good Brian.

[TreeDimensional]

Brian, what are all the ladders for?

[Skwerl]

One of them is to get on my roof and the other one is for trimming palm trees that I can't get to with the bucket truck.

[top_notch]

I'm sad to see the old one go...it was a beast and a half, but it never let me down and I asked a lot of it at times. But the fleet replacement cycle rules can only be pushed back so much, I kept it longer than they wanted me to by a year and a half.

It was a 2001 Dodge 2500 4x4, extended cab, pushed by the 8 liter V-10 gasser. Oversized rail top tool boxes and a Warn 12M winch made for a pretty effective package.

The new truck has been dubbed "poxy little truck" by my friend Pete McTree, after he had to listen to me whine about it's imminent arrival during the WCGTG :D.

It's a 2009 Chevy 1500 4x4, extended cab, small block V-8. I've been truck down-sized in an attempt to improve fleet mpg figures :(.

Anyhoo, I swapped over the same tool boxes and winch, in a new Warn mount. It's a ok rig...but strikes me as low slung. Has enough umph to get itself around, but I won't expect to tow much more than a pair of snowmobiles or ATVs.

Here's pics of the new and the old.

How long have y'all been getting white trucks? My supervisor told me that we will not be getting anymore green ones due to their low resell value due to the mint green color.:cry: Most of our fleet is green but the white ones are starting to creep in...RIP Green Rigs!!!:)

[squisher]

Tell your bossman to go silver. Silver's the new white.

[brendonv]

Word!

I'd go silver for my next truck.

[Burnham]

How long have y'all been getting white trucks? My supervisor told me that we will not be getting anymore green ones due to their low resell value due to the mint green color.:cry: Most of our fleet is green but the white ones are starting to creep in...RIP Green Rigs!!!:)

The change from FS green to white is, as you suggest, driven by economics...not just on the resale value but also on the cost of special paint at acquisition. I've been told it was nearly $2000 extra on the front end, and an average loss of $500 on the back end.

We've been getting white since 2000, and there is one single unit in the yard still sporting green...with the exception of the water tenders and fire engines...those are special order vehicles anyway and the color doesn't affect price on them. So they are still coming in green.

[tntree]

Brian , finally got those pics of those Mags & tires I have, need to be cleaned up but FREE to anyone who might be able to use them tread is maybe about 25% to less just pay shipping

[Skwerl]

Dave, looks like those will work with either style, you just need the correct lug nuts. A deal for somebody, maybe Stephen?

A heads up for everybody who services their own vehicles. I stopped at NAPA this morning for my extra-expensive air filters for the bucket truck and they are having a filter sale through the end of next week. All NAPA filters are 50% off! No big deal on a $10 filter but the two air filters on my big Cat are about $100. This is an excellent time to stock up on extras. I'm not sure if this is a nationwide sale or just regional, but worth mentioning.

[stehansen]

I have a $100 air filter on my truck. I'll check it out.

[sotc]

Thanks Brian, my cummins filter is 80 bucks!

[CurSedVoyce]

I am already loaded up on rims... I almost left NAPA the other day and then saw the sale... Pulled out the check book again :lol:

[sotc]

BHAF

[lumberjack]

It'd have to be to filter all that nasyness out from under that hood., geez. Wash much?

[brendonv]

Your not paying 80 for that filter right, Willie? 6637? $25 at my Napa.

[Skwerl]

Napa online absolutely sucks. It doesn't recognize their own part numbers and it doesn't recognize my truck with a Caterpillar diesel. The oil and air filters they list for my make and model are wrong.

Brendon, what does your dealer get for a 6429 and 6433?

Never mind, I just looked it up at Fleet Filter and they have the same filter for $26. Looks like I just bought my last air filter from the local dealer.
http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-air-filters/46433.html

[brendonv]

I'd have to call tomorrow.

I'm thinking Willie probably has a $80 in his bucket, maybe it has a cummins.

Fleetfilter.com also has excellent deals on filters from what I've purchased in the past.

[lumberjack]

When I'm buying filters I do a Google search then find the best deal.

[NeTree]

Bought a new oil and air filter for my Ranger today. It was mighty expensive, but it did come with a free truck.

:D

My '94 is starting to make some engine noises, and I hate walking; been tucking something away every week for awhile now. Picking this one up tomorrow.

[stehansen]

Pretty sweet.

[TreeDimensional]

It isn't orange!

[stehansen]

You sure?

[TreeDimensional]

From here it looks more red than orange!

[brendonv]

Nice rig!

Those Rangers seems to hold up pretty well.

[Skwerl]

You will enjoy the extra room in the extended cab. Tell us more about it! 8)

[MasterBlaster]

What year is it, Erik?

[CurSedVoyce]

Nice :)

[NeTree]

It's an '11, Butch. Going to pick it up this afternoon. 8)


Brian, I was thinking the same thing; room for my flight bag/etc right behind the seat.

[Skwerl]

Bran spankin new, huh? Did you go with the 4.0 again? Great motors.

[MasterBlaster]

Congratulations! Any reason you didn't go with a full size model? I'm skeered to get in a wreck in anything else. I'd get a Mini Cooper if I didn't have that worry.

[Skwerl]

I loved my Ranger and would have bought another one if I hadn't found the deal on my current F150. Cheap to run, fun to drive, rock solid reliable and can even haul a decent amount of stuff for a mini truck.

[sotc]

Your not paying 80 for that filter right, Willie? 6637? $25 at my Napa.

I think thats the fleetguard price, don't remember where I bought this one.


It'd have to be to filter all that nasyness out from under that hood., geez. Wash much?

Sure, I think I did a year or two back:D

[Newfie]

Cool Erik. A new truck! I see you got it in company colors.;)

[Skwerl]

Hey Mike! At least without that pesky bowtie on the front grill, maybe he won't have to worry about the brakes catching on fire or the wiring harness spontaneously combusting. :P

[Newfie]

:lol::lol::lol:

I'll be happy if it doesn't leak everywhere.:lol:

[brendonv]

That thing really is sweet Erik.

Good luck with it, I'm jealous.

Someday I'll have a mint daily D. Everything I own is nice except the truck I drive every day. :|:

[NeTree]

Well, driving my old Ranger up to the point of exhaustion at over 230k is how I was able to pay for the nice new ride.

Yep; figured the red would match the rest of our gear, Mike!

Of course I got the 4.0L, Brian. Damn straight... excellent motor. :thumbup: All totaled, with plates, title, tax, etc. it came to $26,130.

[Newfie]

It's purty. Did you gut all your lights and electronic gadgets from the old one yet?

[NeTree]

Not yet; gotta grab the stereo, light bar, and my ham rig out of it. Tool box and the rest of my stuff out of it. Gave the old one to my sister to finish off; she's riding shoe-leather express right now, and it's not like I could really get anything for it if I sold it.

[Skwerl]

At least pony up for a new toolbox for the new truck. You don't want to load it up with old, rusty stuff right off the bat. Ask Mikey if he can get his old lady to pay for some new accessories. :lol:

[NeTree]

The tool box IS basically new; still all shiny and purty.

[sotc]

At least pony up for a new toolbox for the new truck. You don't want to load it up with old, rusty stuff right off the bat. Ask Mikey if he can get his old lady to pay for some new accessories. :lol:

These rock, lifetime warrenty!
http://www.800toolbox.com/
They can custom build anything

[CurSedVoyce]

Purrrrrrrrty Stuff!

[Skwerl]

So how do you like the new truck, Erik? Have you scratched it yet? :D

[tophopper]

Nice truck Erik.


I cant believe what new cars sell for. Its outrageous.


You got an auto tranny? That'll come back to bite you someday.

[NeTree]

Likin' it just fine, Brian. Nothing yet... I'm sure that'll change soon.

How do you figure that, Steve? My last Ranger was an auto.

[Skwerl]

The auto tranny matched to the 4.0 is a very solid Mazda unit. I had no problems with my 94 and it worked perfectly when I gave the truck to my bil with about 150K on the odometer. Erik's had 230K miles. That particular automatic is about bulletproof.

[MasterBlaster]

I cant believe what new cars sell for. Its outrageous.

As soon as you drive it off the lot you lose 10 grand.

[Skwerl]

When was the last time you priced used vehicles less than a year old? You might lose $10K after the first three years...

[MasterBlaster]

I was speaking broadly. :drink:

[NeTree]

According to Kelly Blue Book, a 2008 Ranger equipped like mine, with 36,000 miles on the clock should fetch $23,940. That's not much depreciation for three years of use.

Trucks hold their value better than cars. 4-by's even more so. And when loaded with options, it'll take 5 years to lose $10k in value.

[tntree]

nice truck, whooo there spendy little guys now - I ran alot of those mazda and rangers - liked them all and they were good trucks for us

[woodworkingboy]

A brand new truck...I've heard about those. Best of luck with it, Erik.

[Skwerl]

And today Ford released the brand new Ford Ranger for the rest of the world except North America. Don't get me wrong, I like the Ranger, but it's a 20 year old design.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/14/all-new-ford-ranger-debuts-for-the-rest-of-the-globe/

27131

[TreeDimensional]

At least the old design Ranger looked like a truck. That blue thang looks like a car with open space for a large suitcase! Oh and a roll bar!

[Skwerl]

Looks like a Tundra. It's supposed to be a lot bigger as well, easily as big as the full size pickup trucks of 25 years ago.

[Widow Shooter]

looks like they were eyeballing Toyota's design for sure ;)

[TreeDimensional]

I guess the "farmer" is comming out of me! Last time I checked a truck was for workin' and hauling stuff in the back. We usually take the car or SUV if we're going to an appointment or a visit! Such is life.

The one that burns my ass is some yuppie that buys a 80K 1 tom to pull his 5th wheel 150 mile to the lake once a year. *so they can ruff it* The industrial users of trucks are payin' through the nose because of the whims of some DINK (Double income no kids)!

Chevy has really got into the car with a box! Trucks (in name only) that ride like a car and have a payload of a VW rabbit!:X

For the better part of my youth we always had Ford trucks and Chev or Olds cars. 1981 was the last Ford I bought. Dodge all they way now Baby!!!:D

[OTGBOSTON]

Looks like a Tundra. It's supposed to be a lot bigger as well, easily as big as the full size pickup trucks of 25 years ago.

The new Toy Taco is as big as the old Tundras, and the new Tundras are fuggin' huge...

I don't understand it at all, there is a place for smaller lighter trucks...

[Buzz]

I had an 07 plate Ranger on a hire deal for 6 months. It was a fantastic truck. I'd buy one tomorrow if I could afford to.

[tophopper]

Who's Steve?

[squisher]

I think you are? Lol.

Nice truck!

[Skwerl]

Skwishey, I use the Elders member list (http://gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?4679-The-Tribal-Elder-s-Memberlist) as my cheat sheet if I forget somebody's first name. ;)

[tophopper]

Now even Brian is confused. Erik replied to me, calling me Steve.

[Skwerl]

I just got my F150 back from the shop tonight. The gear/bearing noise in the rear end is finally gone! My mechanic said the bearings were shot, and I happened to have a set of almost new 3.73 gears in a box in the closet. He swapped out the factory 3.31 gears and the old girl has quite a bit more juice off the line now. He was ready to pull it back apart because he heard a tiny little bit of gear lash around 42-45 mph but I couldn't hear it.

I'll get my bill tomorrow after he gets a stronger calculator to add it up. :O

[tophopper]

Good thing your loaded!

[Burnham]

Wonder what it'll cost you in MPG?

[tophopper]

Good thing he's loaded!

[Skwerl]

Ford has been notorious for over-gearing their 2wd pickups for decades. My 1988 had 3.08 gears and a 5 speed, I could hit 30 mph in first gear! When I re-geared that truck my mileage actually increased. I'm currently getting about 12 mpg so I'm guessing my mileage will be better with the new gears not lugging the motor as badly.

[Burnham]

12 mpg...lordy, that sux moose snot, doesn't it.